Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your mac and cheese experience forever! Our "Miraculous Mac n Cheese" isn't just another pasta dish - it's a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance with pure delight. If you've ever dreamed of the ultimate comfort food that combines rich, velvety cheese sauce with perfectly cooked pasta, you're about to discover the recipe that will become your new go-to crowd-pleaser. Get ready to unlock the secret to the most irresistible mac and cheese you've ever tasted!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once fully melted and bubbling, add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux, ensuring no lumps form.
- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from developing. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is creamy and uniform.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir to incorporate the spices evenly throughout the sauce.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, gently folding to ensure every pasta piece is thoroughly coated with the creamy mixture.
- For an optional crispy top, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle additional cheese on top, and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden and slightly crisp.
- Let the mac and cheese rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set. Serve hot and enjoy your Miraculous Mac n Cheese!
Tips
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting and flavor - pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
- Whisk continuously when making the roux and adding milk to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, creamy sauce.
- For extra richness, you can substitute some of the milk with heavy cream or half-and-half.
- Don't overcook the pasta - aim for al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot cheese sauce.
- For a crispy top, use the broiler method suggested in the recipe, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Experiment with cheese combinations - try adding a bit of gruyère or monterey jack for more complex flavor.
- If the sauce seems too thick, you can thin it out with a little extra milk. If it's too thin, continue cooking to reduce and thicken.
- Let the mac and cheese rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set and become extra creamy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 90mg
